Though their race ultimately ended early with two errors in the pits forcing Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen out of proceedings, the American squad had established itself at the head of the midfield pack.

It has left rival teams seeking a clarification between the relationship Haas and Ferrari have, which extends beyond simple engine supply to include all items permissible under the regulations.

Further to that, Haas’ chassis designers, Dallara, use the Ferrari wind tunnel in developing the team’s car.

McLaren’s Zak Brown raised questions about the team’s ability to be as competitive as it is in just its third year, while Force India’s chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer stated he’d seek clarification from the FIA.

“I don’t know how they do it, it’s magic,” said Szafnauer.

“I don’t know how it can be right that someone who’s been in the sport for a couple of years with no resources could produce a car like this, does it happen by magic? If it does, I want the wand.

“All the aerodynamic surfaces have to be your own,” he added.

“If they’re not, I don’t know how you can tell unless you start investigating.

“Scrutineering only tells you that it fits within the boxes of the regulations.

“Is it yours or somebody else’s (idea)? That’s the real question. And I don’t know the answer to that.

“Maybe it is their own, it’s just suspect; how can you gain that knowledge without history and the right tools and people?”

It was a point Szafnauer confirmed he would be raising with the Strategy Group when it meets next month, though the FIA’s position on it is more relaxed.